The Washington Commanders are without starting quarterback Carson Wentz for the next 4-6 weeks after he fractured a finger on his throwing hand in last week’s win over the Chicago Bears.
With Washington at 2-4, fans may think the competitive portion of the season is over. However, despite being two games from third place in the NFC East, the Commanders remain only one game behind for the final wild-card berth.
Therefore, it was an easy decision for head coach Ron Rivera to roll with Taylor Heinicke as the quarterback in Wentz’s absence instead of rookie Sam Howell.
Heinicke started 15 games for Washington last season and had some excellent moments under center for the Commanders. While Heinicke has his shortcomings, most notably his lack of arm strength, he brings several positive traits to the lineup. Heinicke’s mobility can potentially help Washington’s offensive line and his mastery of the offense is an asset.
Wentz was still learning offensive coordinator Scott Turner’s offense.
Rivera was asked Tuesday if he ever considered starting rookie Sam Howell.
“No, the focus is Taylor [Heinicke],” Rivera answered. “I mean, we’re still in a good situation still early in the year. We like what we’ve got in terms of the skill sets and in terms of our playmakers, you know, guys that we believe we can get the ball to. And don’t want to put Sam in a situation like that this early in his career, you know, we feel he is a young man that as he grows and develops, he’s got a chance.”
Rivera is absolutely correct. We discussed earlier this week why Heinicke was the right choice — for now.
What about Howell’s development?
“I think Sam is still learning in terms of what we do and how we do it and how we do it is, you know, that’s the part that you’ve gotta get familiar with there,” Rivera said. “How we go through the progressions, stuff like that is all about learning and understanding and feeling in terms of knowing what to do in the offense itself.”
If the Commanders do not turn their season around over the next several weeks, then playing Howell becomes a smart move — even when Wentz returns. But, for now, playing Heinicke gives the Commanders the best chance to win over the next several weeks and that’s what matters the most.
